Search results

1 – 8 of 8
Article
Publication date: 1 June 2001

Salequzzaman and Laura Stocker

Bangladesh has the highest density of population among all countries of the world and is the worst victim of environmental degradation. Poor people are dying of arsenic…

2277

Abstract

Bangladesh has the highest density of population among all countries of the world and is the worst victim of environmental degradation. Poor people are dying of arsenic contamination in Bangladesh’s villages and poor urban dwellers are most exposed to the poisonous air. Protection of the environment is therefore necessary even from the view of social justice. In particular, as Bangladesh proceeds towards industrialization it needs to be careful about environmental impacts. There are several reasons why Bangladesh needs to be extra careful and gain more knowledge of the environment. The country now relies greatly on foreign capital, which is more likely to be guided by immediate profit concerns and lead to many environmentally risky and damaging decisions. Environmental education (EE) can help people become aware of the consequences of their actions, provide information to help solve environmental problems, and build the human capacity necessary to solve and prevent environmental problems. In this sense, Bangladesh can save itself from environmental disasters by having a strong, broad‐based, and united environment movement through educating its population environmentally and developing career paths in fields related to sustainable development. A balance between environmental stewardship and economic development can guarantee this sustainable future, which in turn needs sound environmental knowledge among both experts and the population at large. The paper discusses the present environmental situation in Bangladesh; EE needs, practices and future potentialities for sustainable development; and a job market of EE graduates in Bangladesh and around the world. Finally, the paper recommends a sustainable policy framework of EE and its future in Bangladesh to the national policy makers for sustainability of this country.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 June 2001

Walter Leal Filho

210

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 2 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Article
Publication date: 17 November 2023

Sameera Zaman, Serat Ahmed Sara, Taranna Tabassum, Tahsin Tabassum, Samiya A. Selim and Haseeb Md. Irfanullah

Considering that knowledge, skills and behavior can influence sustainability efforts, this study aims to assess which personality traits influence one’s sense of feeling connected…

Abstract

Purpose

Considering that knowledge, skills and behavior can influence sustainability efforts, this study aims to assess which personality traits influence one’s sense of feeling connected to nature and presumably make more sustainable choices. The study also explores the situational factors that might pose barriers, despite an individual's preference for a sustainable lifestyle.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 54 faculty members from six Higher Education Institutions in Bangladesh were interviewed based on a semi-structured questionnaire on the barriers to a sustainable lifestyle in Dhaka city, while their personality traits were assessed using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index, the Big Five Factors and the Connectedness to Nature Scale through a survey.

Findings

The results state that Empathic Concern and Fantasy, as dimensions of empathy, have strong positive correlations with feeling connected to nature. The physical, social and psychological challenges also cause fewer people to lead a sustainable lifestyle, despite feeling highly connected to nature.

Research limitations/implications

Sustainability efforts need to be context-specific due to localized challenges the people face. While educators play a key role in mainstreaming sustainability, generalizing the findings of the study to the wider population is limited. Further investigation to explore demographic and socioeconomic factors will provide key insights to the determinants of sustainable behavior.

Practical implications

The findings highlight that educational institutions can play a key role in the development of empathy and sustainability education, while addressing the need for good governance and policies in mainstreaming sustainability for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030.

Originality/value

Few studies have been conducted to understand sustainable behavior in Bangladesh and identify effective methods to promote sustainability. This study provides insights to sustainable behavior in the context of a least-developed country. Additionally, it will support educational institutions to work toward sustainable development by enabling empathic skills development in curricula, leading to more concrete sustainability efforts.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Md. Nazmul Haque, Muhallil Abtahee, Afra Anika Islam and Md. Ashhab Sadiq

Environmental sustainability (ES) is a vital issue in recent times as higher education institutions (HEIs) are expected to have significant environmental impacts. This study aims…

2112

Abstract

Purpose

Environmental sustainability (ES) is a vital issue in recent times as higher education institutions (HEIs) are expected to have significant environmental impacts. This study aims to explore the ES attitudes in three different HEIs in Bangladesh based on student perception.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data from 200 respondents of 3 HEIs through a questionnaire survey has been collected. The questionnaire was designed to collect data on six criteria: awareness, concern, attitude, willingness to participate and recommendations about campus ES. Pearson's chi-square (χ2), Fisher's exact test statistic, one-way analysis of variance and Spearman's correlation have been used to measure difference and correlation in SPSS.

Findings

Though students are aware of ES, only 21% are concerned about the issue. In total, 68% of respondents agreed that campus ES is not a responsibility of authority alone and that others have a role to play; 24% of students do not even know about recycling practices; and 73% of the respondents suggested that knowledge-sharing seminars/conferences could be the best way to improve the campus's ES.

Practical implications

A top-down planning approach excludes students from decision-making and direct engagement in Sustainable Campus building. Including student perceptions in planning assists policymakers and smooths the path to a more sustainable campus.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insight into students' perceptions of sustainability practices in the campus environment.

Details

Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2634-2499

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 May 2014

Mostaque Ahmed Zebal and Hussein M. Saber

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of market orientation that exists in the Islamic financial institutions. The study further aims at identifying the antecedents…

1407

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of market orientation that exists in the Islamic financial institutions. The study further aims at identifying the antecedents and consequences of such market orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the explorative nature, the study uses qualitative research approach, collecting data in words using in-depth interview technique, drawing sample from Islamic financial institutions of both Bangladesh and United Arab Emirates. Data were coded and categorized using inductive reasoning method and similar responses were identified from a prepared data matrix. The results were presented in a narrative way using simple frequency for the agreements and disagreements of respondents considering “street language” without being mediating the meaning of the responses.

Findings

A different nature of market orientation called Islamic market orientation has been identified by the results of the study. The study identifies five elements (orientation on Islamic customer, orientation on information, orientation on integration, orientation on competition, and finally orientation on responsiveness) that embody the formation of Islamic market orientation. The study also identifies a different set of antecedents (attitude toward Islamic values, Islamic leadership, risk partaking, inter-relationships, government legislations, and management training) that are responsible for determining the extent of Islamic market orientation. The study further identifies a set of consequences (profitability, customer satisfaction and retention, gaining new customers, increase of employees’ team spirit and satisfaction, service quality improvement, increase of market share, and increase of work efficiency) when market-oriented behavior is being adopted by the Islamic financial institutions.

Originality/value

To the best of the knowledge of the authors of this study, the results offer a different kind of market orientation along with its antecedents and consequences which can be considered as completely original and unique.

Details

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-4503

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 December 2020

Wike Agustin Prima Dania, Ke Xing and Yousef Amer

This paper aims to evaluate the collaboration quality performance of sugar company Z and its stakeholders (farmers and distributors) by considering the sustainability aspects…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate the collaboration quality performance of sugar company Z and its stakeholders (farmers and distributors) by considering the sustainability aspects. This assessment shall be able to integrate qualitative and quantitative factors in the model, which is critical in sugar supply chains involving multi-stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Integration of quality function deployment (QFD), the fuzzy analytical network process (FANP) and the data envelopment analysis (DEA) is administered to assess the efficiency score of each stakeholder involved. The evaluation encompasses collaboration behaviour factors since the input of collaboration activities will result in sustainability aspects such as revenue, green house gas (GHG) emissions and social impact. The analysis has been conducted in two scenarios, those are the basic scenario by utilising original data and the extended scenario by using projection data.

Findings

The result clarifies that the most influential behaviour factor in the collaboration activities is commitment (0.116), while the least important behaviour factors are power (0.008) and adaptation (0.008). Furthermore, by using the extended scenario, the overall efficiency for each benchmarking is higher compared to the condition before the improvement (basic scenario).

Research limitations/implications

The result of this study is only relevant to the particular sugar supply chain and involving limited sustainability variables. Therefore, in a further study, more variables such as technical and financial aspects could be explored further in the assessment process.

Practical implications

The result of this study is available for each stakeholder and can be fundamental for the constant improvement in sustainable supply chain (SSC) practices. It shows that an improvement of one stakeholder will positively impact the entire system.

Social implications

Smallholders and sugarcane farmers will recognise the significance of collaboration behaviour. Thus, they can enhance their mutual benefits by using the existing resources.

Originality/value

This paper arranges for a practical contribution by implementing advanced assessment methods in the sugar supply chain by taking into account the economic, environmental and social aspects. This comprehensive assessment process in the sugar supply chain is the novelty of this paper.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 71 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2018

Suganty Kanapathy, Khai Ern Lee, Subarna Sivapalan, Mazlin Mokhtar, Sharifah Zarina Syed Zakaria and Azizah Mohd Zahidi

This paper aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of foundation chemistry learners concerning the sustainable development concept.

1047

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and behaviour of foundation chemistry learners concerning the sustainable development concept.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative and quantitative studies were conducted. Atlas.ti software was used to analyse the chemistry curriculum based on selected themes and sub-themes. A survey was carried out involving 132 chemistry learners. The chemistry learners were students from a foundation programme in a local university located in Selangor, Malaysia. The collected data were analysed using SPSS 21.0 involving descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings

Document analysis on the chemistry curriculum shows that water is the theme most covered in the chemistry learners’ textbook, as compared to other themes. In general, the chemistry learners have good knowledge and attitude concerning the sustainable development concept. However, their knowledge and attitude do not reflect in their behaviour as an individual, as well as in the classroom. Moreover, their knowledge, attitude and behaviour focus more on environmental dimension, as compared to other sustainable development dimensions.

Practical implications

This paper is instrumental in assisting educators to assess how chemistry learners perceive sustainable development, and this may help to bring about changes to improve chemistry teaching and learning processes towards education for sustainable development.

Originality/value

This paper is an original and novel research paper which is first conducted on sustainable development concept in chemistry curriculum in Malaysia.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 September 2013

T. Ramayah and Elham Rahbar

This research was carried out to assess the recycling behaviour of university students, as they are the future consumers of the country.

4591

Abstract

Purpose

This research was carried out to assess the recycling behaviour of university students, as they are the future consumers of the country.

Design/methodology/approach

A model based on the Theory of Reasoned Action was developed and tested using the variance‐based structural equation modelling technique of Partial Least Square (PLS).

Findings

The findings indicate that the attitude towards recycling is significantly influenced by perceived value, awareness and actual gains perceived by the consumers. Recycling behaviour was significantly influenced by resistance to change and attitude towards recycling.

Originality/value

The paper enables the policy makers target these variables in their future action plans in order to enhance recycling behaviour.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 24 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

1 – 8 of 8